Castle of San Nicola de Thoro Plano, Maiori, Italy

The Castle of San Nicola de Thoro Plano sits on the summit of the hill that overlooks the districts of Accola and Carpineto. It was more than just a castle, it was a fortress, a bastion, a place of refuge for the population of the town below against Longobard and pirate attacks.

According to Cerasuoli, building began after the death of Sicardo, Longobard Duke of Benevento in 840 AD. Sicardo had devestated many of the towns and settlements on the Amalfi Coast.Work on the building developed round an existing church dedicated to San Nicola de Thoro Plano. The building underwent modifications by the Piccolimini Dukes, who in 1461 had been nominated as governors of the Duchy of Amalfi by Ferdinando I of Aragon.

The work started in 1465 and lasted until 1468 at a cost to the town of 6000 ducats. The fort enclosed an existing three aisle church, and the term Thoro Plano means a small hill placed against a taller elevation, Thorus Clivius, where the districts of Campo and Paie were situated.Inside the castle there were barracks, refuge for the population, cisterns and stores which guaranteed water and food supplies in case of invasion. The building preserves its original rectangular polygon shaped perimeter which is 550 metres long. The barrier walls are interspaced with nine round towers, which are eight metres high and five metres in diameter.

References:

maioricultura.it

User Reviews

Ida Kristine Lunheim (9 months ago)
The owner is super sweet and nice, and very knowledgeable. The castle is charming and interesting, and the walk to get there is both very visually pleasant and a good workout. Definetly reccomend visiting!

Tom Komarnicki (11 months ago)
The man around the property was very pleasant and sweet, gave us a tour of the castle. Made our experience superb and I hope the government finally restores the place To reach the castle from the city centre you need to climb stairs for a while, then there’s a bit of a road, and stairs again. Unfit people will need frequent stops, but there’s 1 or 2 water fountains on the way. Also note that it’s closed after 13:30 (IIRC)

Susana Manrique de Lara (6 years ago)
Worth the uphill stair path and the 5€ entrance fee. Best views of Maiori. You can see Ravello as well. The owner of the castle will tell you its story and show you some pieces of history like weapons for instance. He makes his own Limoncello and Fragolino (strawberry liquor). You can buy a bottle for 10€

Steffi (6 years ago)
Very nice place with amazing views. The castle is open from 8 - 13 and 15 - 18. Entrance fee is 5 EUR and you'll get spectacular views - not very busy which is a big plus

배현호 (6 years ago)
It is a good view point. Kind guide granpa explained about this castle's history and finds. But it is a little bit hard to get there by walking from beach. I recommend go to by a car.

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Castle of San Nicola de Thoro Plano

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